Senior Director of Finance, Research Services

Thorek/Scott and Partners (TSP) has been connecting accomplished organizations with talented individuals for almost four decades. At TSP, our track record of successfully completing challenging searches across the professional spectrum has earned us an exceptional reputation at the forefront of the recruitment industry. Our Canadian and International clients include: global banks and non-bank financial institutions, private equity and investment funds, professional service firms, and entrepreneurial businesses in a variety of industries.

We value the human connection and distinguish ourselves through an unwavering dedication to understanding the goals and motivations of our clients and candidates alike.

Reporting to the Deputy CFO, the Senior Director will provide executive leadership for all aspects of financial management, planning, and oversight for the Research Portfolio and its Institutes within Canada’s largest hospital network. This role is accountable for the strategic and operational leadership of research financial services, ensuring financial integrity, sustainability, and alignment with institutional priorities, regulatory requirements, and sponsor expectations.

The role serves as a critical bridge between Finance and Research, enabling effective stewardship of public, private, philanthropic, and industry-sponsored research funding. Together, the Research portfolio spends over $600M annually to deliver world‑class research. As a trusted advisor to the Executive Vice President of Research, senior research operations leadership, and institute leaders, the Senior Director, RFS, delivers expert financial and business advice to support decision‑making across a highly complex, multi‑institute portfolio.

• Oversee all aspects of research financial services, including financial accounting, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, preparation and management of operating and capital budgets, research balance sheet activities, and cash flows
• Lead the overall financial strategy for the Research Portfolio within UHN, ensuring alignment with organizational, academic, and clinical priorities
• Provide expert financial and business advice to the EVP, Science and Research, to the Deputy CFO, and senior leaders on long‑term sustainability, resource allocation and investment decisions
• Lead research and organizational business innovation and technology initiatives to work smarter, adapt faster, and deliver better outcomes, and integrate research and financial planning into enterprise‑wide financial strategies
• Ensure effective financial oversight across a diverse portfolio of funding sources (tri‑council, foundations, philanthropy, industry, international sponsors) and compliance with all funding agency guidelines
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing team. Responsible for a team of 60+ finance staff that provide financial and business support to over 1,200 principal investigators and researchers who receive funding from over 900 research sponsors
• Establish and maintain robust financial controls, policies, and processes to support complex operations
• Ensure compliance with sponsor requirements, institutional policies, and applicable legislation and regulations
• Identify and manage financial risks related to research funding, contracts, and operational complexity
• Support audits and financial reviews related to research activities
• Build strong partnerships with institute leadership, researchers, research operations, legal, procurement, and corporate finance teams
• Drive continuous improvement in financial systems, reporting, near real‑time analytics and AI adoption, to enhance decision making, transparency and efficiency

• Undergraduate degree in Finance, Commerce, Business Administration, or a related field; CPA or equivalent professional designation required
• Minimum 10 years of progressive senior financial leadership experience within a large, complex organization; experience in healthcare, research, or public‑sector environments strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience managing complex funding models, large budgets, and diverse stakeholder groups
• Strong strategic thinking, executive presence, and ability to influence at the senior leadership level
• Proven senior leadership skills with demonstrated ability to inspire and motivate others and create an environment conducive to team building
• Experience in developing and sustaining effective and collaborative professional working relationships and partnerships
• Experience interacting with and presenting to Senior Management and Board Committees
• A proven track record of creating and maintaining large high‑performing teams
• Exceptional service orientation and strong interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills required

Please note that at present, legal eligibility to work in Canada is a prerequisite for this role.